USEFP Denies Closure of Fulbright Programme for Pakistanis

Amidst circulating rumors regarding the discontinuation of the Fulbright Programme for Pakistani students (USEFP ), the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) has officially clarified that the program remains fully operational.​

Clarification from USEFP

On April 11, 2025, USEFP issued a statement addressing concerns about the future of U.S.-Pakistan exchange programs. The foundation emphasized that the Fulbright Programme continues to function as a vital component of educational and cultural exchange between the two nations. Contrary to rumors, there are no plans to terminate the program. USEFP assured that Pakistani Fulbright scholars currently in the United States are receiving their stipends and support as per the program’s guidelines. The statement also mentioned that the U.S. Department of State is conducting a global review of its exchange initiatives to align with evolving foreign policy priorities, but no immediate changes to the Fulbright Programme are anticipated .​

Background of the Fulbright Programme

The Fulbright Programme, established in 1950, is a flagship academic exchange initiative sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. In Pakistan, the program is managed by USEFP and has been instrumental in fostering mutual understanding through educational and cultural exchanges. Since its inception, over 9,000 Pakistanis have participated in various Fulbright programs, including Master’s, Ph.D., and Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) fellowships .​

Impact on Pakistani Students

The Fulbright Programme offers Pakistani students fully funded opportunities to pursue graduate studies in the United States. This includes coverage for tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and travel. The program aims to build human capacity in Pakistan by providing scholars with advanced education and research opportunities, which they can utilize upon returning to contribute to the country’s development .​

Recent Developments

In 2023, a record 170 Pakistani students were awarded Fulbright scholarships, pursuing studies in diverse fields such as engineering, energy management, and social sciences at 81 U.S. universities . Additionally, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan and USEFP signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support 125 Pakistanis in pursuing Ph.D. studies in the United States, further solidifying the commitment to educational exchange .

Conclusion

Despite the circulating rumors, the Fulbright Programme for Pakistani students remains a cornerstone of U.S.-Pakistan educational relations. USEFP’s recent clarification reassures prospective applicants and current participants that the program continues to offer valuable opportunities for academic and professional growth. Students interested in applying for the Fulbright Programme are encouraged to visit the official USEFP website for the latest information and application guidelines.